#middlesearace – Offshore sailors Brian Flahive and Liam Coyne (from the Dun Laoghaire based double – handed First 36.7 Lula Belle) are part of the crew on the class 4 winning boat, Otra Vex in this year's Malta's Middle Sea race. A large Irish contingent are crewing on a variety of international entries in the race and two Irish Beneteau designs, Paddy and Dermot Cronin's First 40.7 Encore from Malahide and Tony Tennyson/Des Kelliher's First 44.7 Gallileo from the National Yacht Club (NYC) in Dun Laoghiare have finished the race, both racing in class four and finishing 23rd and 32nd respectively.
The Lulabelle pair also from the NYC have crewed regularly on Otravex since last year and it's their second middle sea race on her. Coyne and Flahive also did the Rolex Giraglia Cup where they were third overall of 200 yachts.
Barry Hurley, Andrew Boyle and Philip O'Connor were crewing on the XP 44 X-Pact and came second in class two after a great tight race with Oiltanker Juno.
Dun Laoghaire sailing instructor Kenny Rumball was sailing on Comanchie Raider
IRC Four was the largest class taking part in the Rolex Middle Sea Race. 46 yachts from 10 different countries including Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Ireland, Italy, Montenegro, Malta, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Edward & Aaron Gatt Floridia's J/122, Otra Vez completed the 606-mile race at dusk on Day Five, after racing with a highly competitive fleet. Otra Vez has been announced as the winner of IRC Four. Rod Stuart's Scottish Elan 410, Eos was less than 2 minutes behind on corrected time and Renzo Grottesi's Italian X40, Pita Maha was just nine minutes behind Otra Vez.
The sound of clinking glasses and rousing voices filled the air today at the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Hundreds of competitors enjoyed the full hospitality of the club, sharing their stories with fellow competitors over a glass or two. After days and nights at sea, isolated from the outside world, the cosmopolitan crowd also enjoyed good food and excellent company.
The remaining yachts taking part in the Rolex Middle Sea Race are expected to arrive at the Royal Malta tomorrow. At 1500 on Day Six of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, 12 yachts are still racing.
Results here
